Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most popular tabletop roleplaying games ever created. Published back in 1974, Dungeons & Dragons has a multitude of classes, quests, and versions. D&D also has multiple crossover adventures like the popular Rick and Morty Vs. Dungeons & Dragons which brings together the worlds of fantasy and science fiction. Dungeons & Dragons' success caused many companies to create their own versions of the popular game.
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What started as a way to seek adventure in medieval fantasy has expanded into the realms of Star Wars, Lovecraftian horror, and even feudal Japan. Even if basic fantasy isn't your genre, there are many other variations that could potentially spark your interest.
Updated July 9th, 2021 by Aden Carter: Dungeons & Dragons has seeped into many aspects of the gaming universe and has brought forth many existing TTRPGs. Even now, new games are being released for players to be introduced to exciting, expansive worlds. There are more RPGs coming in the future for D&D players to enjoy that will bring them to different gaming franchises and allow them to create even crazier characters than they could before. This update replaces some of the original entries with newer tabletop games, some of which are under limited release while others are coming soon.
10 Pathfinder 2E
- Core Rulebook $59.99
- Fantasy Tabletop RPG
- Free downloadable character sheets online
Pathfinder, the game that was spawned from D&D 3.5, has come forth with its second edition. The new version of the hit TTRPG changes quite a few things to help make it run smoother. Some say that the combat of this version is a little more monotonous, but it still offers more than the original ever did.
Other aspects of the game that were changed are the XP system, multiclassing, feats, and races. Pathfinder 2E is a great addition for players looking to increase their number of TTRPGs.
9 Star Wars Roleplaying
- Sci-Fi genre based on the Star Wars Universe
- Force Awakens beginner's box $29.99
Ever dream of being a dirty smuggler who flies across the Star Wars universe? Ever wanted to try your hand at bounty hunting like the infamous Boba Fett? Maybe you want to be the princess who turns out to be handy with a blaster. The Star Wars roleplaying system has four games ready to be picked up if you are a fan of the science-fiction series. Age of Rebellion, Edge of the Empire, Force and Destiny, and The Force Awakens are all available. Each game utilizes the same system so learning them all is a cinch.
8 Shadowrun
- Cyberpunk Fantasy Genre
- Beginner box set starts at $19.99
Shadowrun is one of the many science-fiction variations of D&D on the market. It was published back in 1989 and introduced players to the world of cybernetics and crime. In this game, players can choose to upgrade their character with cybernetic implants. Shadowrun still offers magic for those who want to play with a more fantasy style. Either way, this game is a must for any lover of roleplaying games.
7 Call of Cthulhu
- Based on the fantasy world of H.P. Lovecraft
- Quickstart Rules guide starts at $9.99
For fans of the Lovecraftian style of horror is the ever-popular Call of Cthulhu. This game is obviously based on the Lovecraft book of the same name and brings roleplaying fans into the realm of madness as investigators to solve crimes and discover mysteries.
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One player takes on the role of the Keeper of Arcane Lore and acts as the guide through the story. This game has become popular enough to spawn multiple versions and is currently in its seventh edition.
6 Cyberpunk 2020
- Based on the Cyberpunk dystopian style genre
- Core Rulebook starts at $30.00
This year has been praiseworthy for RPG-style games such as Cyberpunk which is set to release this fall. Back in 1988, there was a different Cyberpunk to get excited about and that was Cyberpunk 2020. This RPG brings the players into the over-stylized dystopian future of 2020 with the classic 1980's style. High-tech weapons, performance-enhancing serums, and cybernetic enhancements. The game also features cloning and rampant artificial intelligence that will take the players for the ride of their life. This franchise has spawned four editions to play through, each offering more of the classic Cyberpunk style.
5 Quests Of Yore
- Based on the Pixar movie Onward
- Box Set is $49.99
Once upon a time, Pixar created a hit movie called Onward. In that movie, Quests of Yore appears as a stand-in for D&D. Instead of taking the idea and creating a crossover with D&D, Disney decided to partner with The OP Games to bring the fantasy roleplaying game to life.
The box set includes everything the Quest Master needs to enjoy the game with a group of friends including a guide, cards, tokens, and sheets. Of course, the book is created by Barley and Ian, the two main characters of the movie.
4 13th Age
- Similar to D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder 1st edition
- Starting Rulebook costs $44.95
13th Age is one of the games on this most similar to D&D. It offers a great RPG storytelling experience and has the capability to really pull players into the story. It was created around the same time as D&D fifth edition and has even been nominated for awards. One of the key features that really sets this game apart is its "one unique thing" feature.
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This allows you to create a character that really stands out from everyone else. You can essentially make them your own version of Harry Potter, or Bilbo Baggins. This feature can be used as a mechanical feature to help you out in a campaign or just be something quirky about your character.
3 Risus: The Anything RPG
- Can be any genre depending on how the players feel
- PDF can be downloaded for free
Risus: The Anything RPG has the capability to be whatever you want it to be. Instead of skills and classes, Risus uses a system that focuses on character cliches. This feature makes the game hilarious to play and a real blast for any session that you have. It also helps with creating characters in a few minutes instead of hours or even days. This RPG is also very family-friendly with how flexible the rules are. There are also a lot of ready-built campaigns to play until you can come up with your own. The best part about this RPG is that it is free, as well.
2 Fallout: The Roleplaying Game
- Based in the Fallout universe
- Core Rulebook costs $55.00
- Box Set costs $203.00
Modiphius is in the process of creating a tabletop RPG version of the beloved Fallout series. Players can create their own vault dweller and traverse the wastelands to discover what happened to the old world.
If taking up the role of a vault dweller sounds boring, players can always take up the role of a Mr. Handy robot or even a super mutant. This game uses the iconic 2D20 system to help gameplay, though it might take a little while to get used to.
1 Bunkers & Badasses
- Based in the Borderlands universe
- Expected to release in Q3 2021
- Core Rulebook is pre-orderable for $59.99
Nerdvana has brought forth a new form of tabletop RPG in the shape of Bunkers & Badasses. Players of the Borderlands series might recognize this RPG from the hit DLC Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep.
This DLC invented the mock variant of D&D. The real-life version hasn't been released yet, but it plays quite differently. Players can choose from any of the vault hunter classes from the first two games and go forth to discover their own vaults.